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Reversal of decision to close St Brigid’s a victory for common sense – Cllr Máire Devine

14 June, 2012

The decision by the HSE to keep open St Brigid’s care home for the next three years has been broadly welcomed by Dublin South West Sinn Féin Councillors Máire Devine and Cathal King.

Cllr Devine recently led a delegation from St Brigid’s Action Group to the Dublin Mid Leinster Health Forum to seek clarification from the HSE on the future of the nursing home. The delegation had expressed their frustration at the Health Forum for failing to progress the matter and they presented the HSE with a cost analysis that clearly showed the ludicrous and wasteful practise of retaining patients in acute care at Tallaght hospital at a cost to the taxpayer of approximately €1,000 per day as opposed to €280 per day at St Brigid’s.

Cllr Devine continued: “Seven months ago the Fine Gael/Labour Government issued a closing order on this unique facility which caters exclusively for elderly, frail and high dependency female patients.

“Following months of pressure and the passing of Sinn Féin motions to the Health Forum on behalf of myself and party colleague Cllr Cathal King a three year reprieve was granted.

“Sixty-six beds will remain in the newly upgraded lower units of St Brigid’s and it will be possible to use these units in the short term while complying with the current HIQA standards. This is a victory for everyone who campaigned so determinedly for this important healthcare amenity to remain open and it is a victory for common sense.”

Both Councillors pledged to work with their party colleague Seán Crowe TD and the formidable Action Group to secure the long-term future for this much needed public health facility.

Cllr King said: “Work is in progress to upgrade the facility and it should return to full capacity in the near future.

“I am delighted that the HSE has seen sense on this matter. It is the right decision economically and it is the right decision for the women of St Brigíd’s.

“This is only the beginning though, and Sinn Féin will continue to do everything within its power to ensure the long term future of the home.”